Combining State and Local Elections Makes Sense

State Rep. Stan Jordan, who has had a penchant throughout his political career of stirring things up, is at it again.

This time he wants the Legislature to change the dates for Jacksonville's city elections so that they coincide with the gubernatorial election cycle.

Under Jordan's proposal, beginning in 2010, the races for mayor, sheriff, City Council, supervisor of elections, property appraiser and tax collector would be held in the fall of that year instead of the spring of 2011 and the winners would take office on Jan. 1.

Jordan's plan has some council members and others grumbling.

One complaint is that having such a long ballot -- city offices, legislative seats, governor, constitutional amendments, etc. -- would confuse voters. Another is that it would be difficult for candidates to raise money with so many running at once.

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